“My grandad was born in in Calabria in Italy,” explains Alvaro. “My dad has been there since day one, always coaching and helping out with footy teams and taking me everywhere. He still calls me after most games and gets into me, so he’s a good dad.”

The big blond forward began his career at Mittagong Lions, before moving to Brisbane to sign for the Broncos. While waiting for a first-grade opportunity in Brisbane he played for Easts Tigers and Wynnum Manly Seagulls, before moving back to Sydney to sign with the Parramatta Eels in 2013.

Alvaro was first selected to play for Italy as a junior player, and in September 2016 was part of Italy’s train-on squad for the Rugby League World Cup qualifiers. He is one of many Italo-Australians who are expected to play a major part of the 2017 World Cup campaign.

“It was a nice surprise,” said Alvaro of his selection to the national team.

The Azzurri will have a tough opening match against Ireland in Cairns, before games against the USA and Fiji. Like many of the Australian-based Italian players, Alvaro is hoping good World Cup performances will help push the sport into the Italian mainstream.

“The better we go, the more followers we hopefully get and it’ll help kick the game off more over there,” said Alvaro. “Hopefully those people of Italian heritage in Australia get behind us and get more into the game.”

Vs Ireland
Played: 0
W 0 – D 0 – L 0
Purchase Tickets to Ireland v Italy in Cairns on 29/10/2017

Vs USA
Played: 1
W 1 – D 0 – L 0
Purchase Tickets to New Zealand v Scotland in Christchurch on 4/11/2017

Vs Fiji
Played: 0
W 0– D 0 – L 0
Purchase Tickets to New Zealand v Scotland in Christchurch on 4/11/2017

RLWC2017 tickets start at just $10 kids/concessions $20 Adults and $45 for a family of four. Available now from RLWC2017.com

Fan Club: To join the Italian Fan Club (free) and receive updates go to culturalpulse.com.au/rugbyleaguefans

Red Elephant | @redelephantaus